Search

The Hottest Toy Trends of 2018

We just got back from the annual International Toy Fair in New York and what fun we had!

The Javitz Center in Manhattan was overtaken by all things fun – imagine the size of 7 football fields filled with the latest toys and games. STEM/STEAM-related toys, that teach coding and robot building, were a big trend. Toy makers are focusing on creating engaging toys that also teach kids strategically thinking and spatial understanding. We also saw a whole other spectrum of games big this year focusing on super silly and gross-out games, which are expected to be a huge hit – lots of bathroom humor coming our way.

Through-back toys like My Little Pony, Lite Brite and Beanie Babies are making a comeback with good old nostalgia for the Millennial parents. And our kids’ current obsession with “unboxing,” “surprise” and collectible toys is expected to continue strong as well. According to the Toy Association, sales of collectible toys grew 14 percent globally in 2017.

“The top trends reflect a continued demand for collectibles, family games, creative toys, and tech-infused products that allow kids to create and explore new worlds and build lifelong skills through play,” says Adrienne Appell, trend specialist at The Toy Association.

The popularity of classic toys, including dolls and plush toys, are expected to continue to grow as parents seek out non-tech toys to balance our constantly plugged-in daily lives. Families’ need to unplug has also lead to the huge growth of old-school board games that encourage family time. Hot this year are niche games, licensed games, classics with a twist and silly, gross-out games.

Pretend pets, whether the furry plush kind or the digital kind was another popular trend. We saw lots of dinosaurs, even some sparkly ones, sharks and adorable huggable monkeys and cute squishy pet pillows.

Toys that inspire imagination such as doll houses, play kitchens and outdoor barbeques, dress-up items, building kits and arts and crafts that offer endless opportunities for creative play are super popular. According to The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative, studies show that kids who play make-believe games have enhanced language and problem-solving skills and can better self-regulate their emotions.